Press Briefing – Update on the implementation of the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand

Press Briefing – Update on the implementation of the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand

Keynote Address by H.E. Chum Sounry, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Internatioinal Cooperation (MFAIC):

4:00PM, August 30, 2025

Cambodian Ambassador’s Discussion

with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary

On 28 August 2025, H.E. Koy Kuong, Ambassador of Cambodia to the United States, held a telephone discussion with Mr. Hunt Vandertoll, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, to brief him on developments related to the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict.

H.E. Koy Kuong:

• Recalled the meaningful letter from H.E. Donald Trump, President of the United States, to the Prime Minister of Cambodia, which reflected his role in facilitating the immediate ceasefire between Cambodian and Thai troops, thereby saving many lives—an effort fully aligned with the wishes of the Cambodian Prime Minister.

• Rejected Thailand’s accusations that Cambodia used civilians as human shields and that Cambodia had laid new landmines. He also called on the international community to intervene for the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers, whom Thai forces had deceitfully captured as hostages after the official entry into force of the 28 July 2025 Ceasefire Agreement.

• Reiterated the firm position of the Royal Government of Cambodia to resolve border disputes with neighboring countries peacefully, in accordance with international law. At the same time, he affirmed Cambodia’s strong commitment to further advancing cooperation with the United States in all areas.

Mr. Hunt Vandertoll:

• Reaffirmed support of the U.S. President for a peaceful settlement of the border conflict.

• Stressed that the United States encourages both countries (Cambodia and Thailand) to continue sincere dialogue and to urgently establish an ASEAN observer group to effectively monitor and oversee the implementation of the ceasefire.

• The United States hopes both sides will avoid any actions that could escalate tensions or destabilize the border situation.

• Confirmed that the United States stands ready to strengthen and expand Cambodia–U.S. bilateral cooperation.